1. Yonkers Is Movin’ On Up

Source: The City Of Yonkers, Mayor Mike Spano’s Facebook

Being known as The City Of Vision comes in handy when you’re trying to rebuild. Recently named by Westchester Magazine as The Best Place To Live In West Chester and with active construction breaking ground on new projects along the waterfront and the city’s improving schools, Yonkers is a renaissance city in the making. Major draws are the close proximity to Manhattan without the taxes of the Big Apple, Brooklyn, or Queens.

2. Yonkers Is New York’s Best Kept Secret

Source: Flickr user June Marie

When you leave major cities, sprawl is often an issue. But not in Yonkers. It’s quaint and full of character, with shops along the waterfront and a vibrant community. The Lincoln Park neighborhood is filled with brick Colonials, while Lawrence Park West and Cedar Knolls are more affluent, and the popular Colonial Heights.

3. Yonkersites Paint The Town Green For St. Patty’s Day

Source: The City Of Yonkers, Mayor Mike Spano’s Facebook

Yonkers holds one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country, due to the high Italian-American population. Mayor Mike Spano has even said that the Little Italy section of Yonkers is one of the heaviest concentrations of Irish-Americans in the US,

4. But You’ll Probably Hear About The Yonkers Leprechaun Year-Round

Source: Flickr user “Nino” Eugene La Pia

Soon after arriving in Yonkers, you’ll hear mentions of a famous town leprechaun. Jess Buzzutto lived on the busy intersection of Roberts and Nepperhan who was known for his elaborate holiday decorations, meticulous garden, and friendly attitude. Always dressing in green from head to toe, Buzzutto was a beloved throughout the town and was nicknamed the Yonkers Leprechaun. Buzzutto passed away in 2009, but his memory lives on with September 22nd declared as Jess Buzzutto, Jr. Day by the mayor.

5. Drive All The Way To Manhattan For Pizza? As If

Source: Flickr user EffingFoodie

You don’t have to look any further than your backyard to find the perfect slice. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana on Central is the popular pie destination with its famously crispy brick oven crusts. Make sure to order the white clam pie, loaded with fresh chunks of garlic, clams, in a salty, buttery sauce.

6. The Ridge Hill Farmer’s Market Will Feed Your Organic Obsession

Source: City Of Yonkers, Mayor Mike Spano’s Facebook

Another new gem that has been unveiled in the city of Yonkers is the farmer’s market at Ridge Hill. Come out every Friday from July through November to buy the freshest local and seasonal produce and help support family owned farms.

7. Yonkers Is Getting Its Moment In The Spotlight

Source: City Of Yonkers, Mayor Mike Spano’s Facebook

Yonkers has become a popular filming destination for television series. Shows like “Fringe” and, most recently, “The Following” starring Kevin Bacon have been filming through the streets of Yonkers in order to capture a city feel without the hassles and taxes of Manhattan.

8. Yonkersites Will Always Help You Out

Source: The City Of Yonkers, Mayor Mike Spano’s Facebook

If you find yourself stuck, the people of Yonkers will always be around to help you dig out. That’s just the kind of people they are. And if you’re lucky, maybe the mayor will even be around to throw in some elbow grease.

9. The Saw Mill River Lives Again

Source: Wiki Commons User HamTech87

In 2010 Yonkers took on a revolutionary project— they resurrected the buried Saw Mill River, turning it from a parking lot into a beautiful river that flows through downtown Getty Square. Locals refer to the project as Daylighting Saw Mill River and named the spot Van der Donck Park.

10. Biking Is Yonkersites’ Favorite Sport

Source: Yonkers Bike Club Facebook

The best way to check out how much Yonkers is changing these days is by bike, obviously. The city has more than 137 bike trails to peruse, and if you’re not into biking alone the Yonkers Bike Club hosts the annual Tour de Yonkers and the Triyakathon, along with weekly rides.

11. The Science Barge Will Put Your Precious Prius To Shame

Source: Flickr user Ryan Somma

The Science Barge is a unique and fascinating sustainable urban farm in prototype stage operated as an environmental education center. The barge, a giant greenhouse growing produce like tomatoes, melons, greens, and lettuce with zero net carbon emissions, zero pesticides, and zero runoff, also runs on solar panels, wind turbines, and biofuels, allowing it to run completely off the grid. Sweet.

12. Skating at Murray’s Is A Yonkers Rite Of Passage

Source: The City Of Yonkers, Mayor Mike Spano’s Facebook

Murray’s Skating Rink has been a popular destination on ice for Yonkers’ residents since 1960. Recently renovated, Murray’s offers figure skating and hockey practice hours or recreational skating hours that are open to the public.

13. The Redmond Park Cherry Blossoms Will Take Your Breath Away

Source: Flickr user “Nino” Eugene La Pia

Bring the kids to Redmond Park, also known as Cook Field, to pitch a few in the baseball field, stay for lunch in the picnic area, and hit the playground. But be sure to make it sometime during April when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom so you can take in the view.

14. Steven Tyler Got Expelled Right Here

Source: Steven Tyler’s Facebook

Born in Yonkers, Steven Tyler moved to Yonkers from The Bronx when he was about 12 years old and spent his formidable years in the neighborhoods. He attended and was subsequently expelled from Yonkers’ Roosevelt High School (now Early College High School) before moving away to pursue his career in music with his band Aerosmith.

15. Yonkersites Have Ethnic Food As Far As The Eye Can See

Source: Nawab Pakistani Indian Cuisine’s Facebook

You’ll never get bored with the food choices in Yonkers. If you’re in the mood for Indian, you’ve got Nawab Pakistani’s and Valentino’s. Mexican lovers can choose from Tacos El Pablano, Guapo Cocina’s, Rancho Grande, and more. And if you’re craving sushi, there’s Knogri’s, Tomo Sushi’s, Sushi Palace, and Nagoya’s. So, take your pick!

16. Learning Is Serious Fun At The Hudson River Museum

Source: Flickr user DAVE from NY

With frequently updated exhibits and a brand new planetarium theater, the Hudson River Museum continues to get better and better. Come here for a day of fun, like their most recent exhibit “The Art Of Video Games”, take one of the many classes, or send a fun and inexpensive day at one of their popular family events.

17. Everyone’s Welcome At The Waterfront Amphitheatre

Source: The City Of Yonkers, Mayor Mike Spano’s Facebook

Located right next door to the Hudson River Museum, the new amphitheater hosts Hudson River Museum and City of Yonkers cultural events. Show up every Friday in the summer months for live music at no cost and jam out to some of Yonkers’ most talented, local bands.

18. Go Fly A Kite...Literally

Source: Flickr user Dave Bledsoe

Head to the The Hudson River Museum for a class on how to make your own kite with others from the community. Once you’ve got your kite crafted, you’ll head to Trevor Park to see if it really can fly with everyone else.

19. Untermyer Gardens Feels Like A Fairy Tale

Source: Flickr user Kristine Paulus

Rolling down a hillside along the Hudson river sits Untermyer Gardens, a 43 acre park with a massive and ethereal rock garden—not to mention a Persian Paradise garden, a Grecian-style amphitheater, a pavilion and pergola, and a gorgeous view of the river.

20. A Ride Down The Hudson River Is The Perfect End To The Day

Source: The City Of Yonkers, Mayor Mike Spano’s Facebook

Become a member of the The Yonkers Paddling & Rowing Club and spend your evening rowing or paddling your way down the Hudson River while you watch the sun set. The HPRC participates in both recreational and competitive rowing and paddling events.

21. Getting Lucky Is Easy In Yonkers

Source: Yonkers Raceway’s Facebook

If you’re looking to hit the jackpot, Empire City Casino in Yonkers is home to 5,300 slot machines. If you prefer your gambling to be more on the live action side, the Yonkers Raceway hosts live horse racing events five nights a week.
Feature Image Source: Yonkers Bike Club Facebook
What do you love about living in Yonkers? Tell us in the comments below!

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